Hydrophobicity of Galena with Ovalbumin and Dithiophosphinate in Relation to its Potential Response

Abstract

This study was performed to elucidate the role of ovalbumin (OVA) on the hydrophobicity and potential response of galena in the presence of dithiophosphinate (DTPI). OVA was tested as environmentally friendly depressing agent due to its electrochemically active behavior in aqueous medium. Contact angle measurements were performed in a three-electrode system electrochemical cell in pH 9.2 tetraborate buffer solution. Experimental works revealed that galena exhibited certain degree of natural hydrophobicity. DTPI significantly improved galena hydrophobicity especially by the extended conditioning. In contrast, OVA reduced contact angle, even overcame the hydrophobicity impact of DTPI on galena. Potential measurements indicated that adsorption of both OVA and DTPI on galena was electrochemical process. They reduced potential response of galena electrode.